Arun Vijayan Pillai

Palukunnu Hill Top jain Temple / Basadi

The Palukunnu hill-top basadi (Jain temple) is an ancient religious site located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, specifically in the Panamaram Panchayat area. The site is a significant example of the strong historical influence of Jainism in the Malabar region of Kerala and is primarily dedicated to the Tirthankara Parshwanath.

Palukunnu is located near the village of Panamaram and the town of Mananthavady in the Wayanad district.

A testament to the ancient Jain traditions in the region, with the name "Palagonthu" (Palukunnu) being a Kannada name, which indicates a strong influence of Jains from Karnataka.

Ancient Jain Temple and CavesCurrent State:  Although the original temple is heavily damaged, the face of the idol remains intact.

Annual Tradition:  Every year, a special Pooja is held at a dedicated mountain mandap to celebrate the Moksha Kalyanak of Sri Chandra Prabhu. Architecture: The location features ancient Jain caves and traditional basadi architecture, characterized by detailed stone carvings on the pillars and walls.

The area around Palukunnu is known for its natural beauty and other historical Jain sites, making it a potential spot for a visit for those interested in history and spirituality.

Nearest Town: Mananthavady is a nearby town.

Wayanad, Kerala

A modern upcoming Jain Temple

Jainism is still is catching up in Wayanad & near by areas.

18 November 2025

On the Way Scene

Beautiful Beautiful - On the way to "Anjukunnu Jain Temple" from "Kidanganad Jain Temple Ruins".

For the first time in my life, I would thank Google maps for routing me through internal roads.

Twisty, hilly, small small roads with pure 1985 - 1990's style, simple house.

You will just not love it but will etch it to you memorable part of your brain.

19 November 2025

The Kidanganad Jain Temple Ruins, also known as the Sultan Bathery Jain Temple or Kidanganad Basti, is a significant 13th-century granite structure in Wayanad, Kerala, famous for its Vijayanagara-style architecture, intricate carvings, and its history as a Jain pilgrimage site repurposed by Tipu Sultan as an ammunition store, giving the town its name.

Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it's a rare example of Jain architecture in Kerala, showcasing ornate pillars, floral designs, and Jain symbolism, even after some idols were removed for ammunition storage.

A rare, protected Jain temple (Basadi) in Kerala, reflecting historical trade and cultural links, with some idols found in a nearby well and moved to a museum. A rare, protected Jain temple (Basadi) in Kerala, reflecting historical trade and cultural links, with some idols found in a nearby well and moved to a museum.

19 November 2025

Venniyode Jain Temple

8th-10th century CE during Jainism's Wayanad boom (migration from Karnataka's Hoysala heartland).

Dedicated to Shantinatha (16th Tirthankara, symbol of peace—fitting for this tranquil spot). It's a Digambara basadi (sky-clad sect), managed by hereditary "Uralans" (Jain families like the Tharakan clan) since medieval times.

The name "Venniyode" (from Kannada "Bennagode") screams Karnataka roots—Jains fled here for fertile cardamom lands and safety from Shaiva conversions.

19 November 2025

Puliyarmala Jain Temple / The Ananthanatha Swami Temple

A historic 13th-century Jain shrine in Wayanad, Kerala, dedicated to the 14th Tirthankara, Lord Anantanatha, famous for its Dravidian architecture, intricate stone carvings, and historical link to Tipu Sultan, who used it as an ammunition store, making it a significant heritage site under the Archaeological Survey of India.

18 November 2025

Digambar Jain Temple, Jainimedu, Palakkad

Dedicated to Chandraprabha, the eighth Jain Tirthankara, featuring intricate carvings of Tirthankaras and Yakshinis, showcasing rare Jain architecture in Kerala.

18 November 2025

Sarang Nath, Uttar Pradesh [2]

Sarang Nath refers to the Sarang Nath Mahadev Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located within the larger sacred Buddhist site of Sarnath, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India; it's famous for its unique Shiva Lingams, a pond (Sarangnath Kund), and is believed to be the origin of the name "Sarnath" itself, a key Buddhist pilgrimage spot where Buddha first taught. 

A blend of Hindu and Buddhist importance, with the temple dedicated to Shiva and the area being a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Q1 March 2024

Sarnath, near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Sengottai, Tamilnadu [3]

Kermav Pre Plaining Session

Afternoon Q1 Feb 2024

Enjoying the Picture Perfect Nature near a Small Water Reservoir near Sangottai, just after lunch.

Sengottai, Tamilnadu[2]

Kermav Pre Plaining Session.

Morning Time : on the way to Sengottai, Tamilnadu., a mini Reserve Forest and a Big River.

Q1 Feb 2024

Sengottai, Tamilnade [1]

Kermav Pre Planning Sessions

Evening Time : Returning back to Kerala: - Gundaru Dam - Paddy Field in Sengottai Near the Dam - A rare sight for us from Kerala, Buffaloes Herd Walking back to shelter before Sunset

Q1 Feb 2024

Ganga River, Varanasi

Kermav Core Meet

Ganga Aarti Ritual Performance at Evening.

A Ganga boat ride - a typical cruises past all 84 ghats, offering panoramic views of Varanasi's spiritual life, including Dashashwamedh Ghat's Ganga Aarti, Assi Ghat's morning rituals, and the intense cremation scenes at Manikarnika itself, covering iconic spots like Harishchandra Ghat, and ending back near Assi Ghat, providing a profound cultural and spiritual journey along the sacred river.

Q1 March 2024

Ayodhya Unveils "Ram Path"

Kermav Core Body Meet Q1

AYODHYA — The landscape of the holy city has undergone a dramatic transformation with the completion of a multi-tiered road network designed to streamline the influx of devotees to the newly consecrated Ram Mandir.

At the heart of this infrastructural overhaul is the Ram Path, a sweeping 13-km, four-lane arterial highway stretching from Sadatganj to Naya Ghat. Serving as the city’s primary transit spine, the Ram Path acts as the main gateway for tourists and pilgrims, funneling traffic toward the spiritual core of the city.Directly branching from the city's revamped infrastructure is the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Path.

Described as a "beautified promenade," this final stretch integrates inner city streets into a dedicated pedestrian-friendly walkway that leads devotees directly to the temple’s main entrance.

The grid is further supported by two other major corridors:

Dharma Path: A grand ornamental route designed to showcase the city's cultural heritage.

Bhakti Path: A specialized link facilitating easier movement for the faithful within the temple vicinity.

Together, these routes form a comprehensive transit web, marking a significant milestone in Ayodhya’s evolution into a world-class pilgrimage destination.

March Q1 2024

Alappuzha Beach

Kermav Theme Planning for 2024

Q1 Feb 2024

Samsung Galaxy M51 with 100mm Lens attached.